Dimitri Payet is already dreaming about his return to first-team action in the New Year and would love to help West Ham United qualify for Europe as they prepare to move into the new Stadium.
Payet has been ruled out for three months with an ankle injury, but with the team enjoying an impressive start to the campaign, the France star sees no reason why they cannot cement their place in top six during his absence.
Manuel Lanzini has been a revelation for the Club following his arrival back in the summer while Mauro Zarate and Michail Antonio are pushing hard for a first-team place.
With Alex Song also ready to make a return to first-team action, Slaven Bilic has plenty of options to choose from while Payet begins his journey back to full fitness.
The former Marseille midfielder will be keeping a close eye on results over the next few weeks and hopes to play his part in making this a special final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Payet said: “It would be fantastic if we could qualify for Europe next season. The season is very long and we have many games coming up in a short space of time which could be crucial.
“I hope to come back with the team still on track to achieve something really special this season.
“With the new Stadium next season that will be a huge step forward for the Club in terms of it's history. I signed a long-term deal here to be part of this project and if West Ham qualify for Europe that will be fantastic for everyone at the Club.
“But we should also not put too much pressure on ourselves and I speak from experience knowing that to do well in Europe it requires a whole host of things and you need lots of energy throughout the Club.
“You need to bring in new players and have a bigger squad to cope. If we do it we need to make sure that we do it in the right way and not rush it.
“I have full confidence in my team-mates. There have been many injuries and suspensions since the start of the season. Every time a player has had to come into the team they have done very well and have even won some games. I am very confident that the team can do well without me and that the coach can find a solution to carry on this good run.
“They are very good players and even if when I was not playing they were still performing at 100 per cent. That is what a team is about and everyone needs to perform at their best. Manuel and Mauro are very good players and I have no doubts they will perform well in my absence and bring the team exactly what it needs.”